June 13, 1997
New Licence Plates Being Distributed
New Licence Plates Being Distributed– – –Phase-In Process Will Result in New and Old Plates for Several Months
Manitoba's new licence plates will begin appearing on registered vehicles this month, Highways and Transportation Minister Glen Findlay announced today.
Registered owners will receive their new plates when they reach their annual Autopac renewal dates between Aug. 1, 1997, and July 31, 1998. The first registration renewals will be mailed June 17.
"Manitobans will likely see the first of the new licence plates this month, with the replacement completed by August of 1998," said Findlay. "All registered owners will receive the plates over the course of time, and enforcement agencies across North America will be notified about the redesigned plates."
With the new issue, Manitoba returns to a "front and rear" two-plate system for most vehicles. The new dual plates will be issued to approximately 730,000 vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks and vans. A single plate will be issued to about 120,000 vehicles such as motorcycles and trailers. Owners will pay a one-time fee of $7 for plates issued in pairs or $4 for vehicles requiring a single plate.
During the phase in period, Shriners of the Khartum Temple will collect old plates at various locations throughout the province for recycling. Drop-off sites include Autopac outlets, the Khartum Temple in Winnipeg, fire halls and selected shopping malls where receptacles have been provided. Profits will go towards helping children attending Shrine Hospitals.
Manitoba Highways and Transportation has contacted current holders of personalized licence plates to determine if they wish to renew their slogan for a $50 fee. Personalized plate holders who did not receive a renewal notice may contact the Division of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Personalized Licence Plate Section.
Slogans not renewed by Aug. 1, 1998, will be made available to the general public for a fee of $100. Applications for new personalized licence custom plate slogans will continue to be accepted throughout the renewal process.
The new licence plate features images of trees, water and wheat, replacing the black or black and red on white licence plates first issued in 1983. The return to a front as well as rear plate increases the opportunity for vehicle identification, while a reflectorized coating will make the plates much more visible in headlights.
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